Thanksgiving Fitness and GamesThanksgiving is almost here, which means the turkeys are de-frosting and preparations are being made. Being surrounded by friends and family is the most important part of this grateful day, but the second most important part is the heaps of food consumed. From turkey to mashed potatoes, to stuffing and cranberries, just the thought of it makes us feel full. This year instead of switching to those stretchy pants and watching football, try these fun, active games that you can do as a family to help aid digestion.
Touch Football:
Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand like spring and baseball. But, this year instead of sitting on the couch watching the games all day, try taking advantage of halftime and get outside for a game of touch football. Make it more exciting and let the winning team get the first pick from the dessert table!
Nature Walk:
After enjoying your scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner, instead of sitting on the couch and readying yourself for round three or four, grab the family and head outdoors. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and the final days of fall colors and crunchy leaves. Wander around the neighborhood looking for leaves or pinecones that you can transform into art.
Board Games:
Nothing brings a family together more than food and games. After your Thanksgiving Day feast bust out some board games to play together as a family. For a younger crowd, try adding a Thanksgiving spin onto the classics, for example: instead of Simon Says try Turkey Says or ‘duck, duck, goose’ becomes ‘chicken, chicken, turkey’ and so forth.
DIY Turkey Games:
Instead of board games, try making your own turkey games. We love Turkey bowling, which only requires plastic cups and a ball. Or, the gratitude game, which is a great way for family members to express their gratitude to one another. For other great ideas, check out this article.
The most important part of Thanksgiving is being surrounded by your family, friends, and the people you love. This year, try some of these family activities and games to keep joy and laughter echoing through the halls.
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Thu, 21 Mar 2019 13:51:42 +0000Untitledhttp://www.pcgkids.com/2017/11/08/thanksgiving-fitness-and-games/
Thu, 21 Dec 2017 12:20:13 +0000http://www.pcgkids.com/2017/11/08/thanksgiving-fitness-and-games/Is Medical Pot a Blessing for Seniors?https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20190320/is-medical-pot-a-blessing-for-seniors?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Wed, 20 Mar 2019 20:37:53 +00002b1f198dd84258e077b772e9aa4b544d

In states that legalized medical marijuana, there was a 4.8 percent decrease in reported pain for conditions that qualified for pot treatment (cancer, arthritis, glaucoma and pain), compared to states without medical marijuana.

For the report, researchers ranked pesticide contamination of 47 fruits and vegetables based on an analysis of more than 40,000 samples taken by the USDA and FDA.

]]>Beat the Winter Blues: Turning Cabin Fever into a Staycationhttps://pcgkids.com/beat-the-winter-blues-turning-cabin-fever-into-a-staycation/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:50:59 +0000https://pcgkids.com/?p=791Were the winter blues named after a parent stuck indoors with their child for weeks on end? Possibly. Is there a way to avoid getting cabin fever this year? Definitely! While the groundhog may have seen his shadow early this year, parents know that winter is still in full swing. Don’t panic! Here are four…

]]>Were the winter blues named after a parent stuck indoors with their child for weeks on end? Possibly. Is there a way to avoid getting cabin fever this year? Definitely!

While the groundhog may have seen his shadow early this year, parents know that winter is still in full swing. Don’t panic! Here are four activities and methods to beat the winter blues for you and your kids!

Turn your little ones into…

…a Sous Chef

Recruit a new sous chef with simple and easy recipes to make with your kids! The kids will love being able to help in the kitchen. The best part? Everyone gets a treat at the end. Get the kids excited by incorporating their favorite characters into the baking such as healthy Mickey Mouse Muffins. Recipes such as mini pepperoni bites and mini-smoothies are all great recipe ideas because they are kid-sized and always super cute. Banana sushi is a fun and simple recipe for kids of all ages. You simply cut a banana into sushi-sized pieces, add a topping around the edges such as melted chocolate, and then you can add a coating like coconut or sprinkles!

…a Queen or King of the Fortress

This activity never goes out of style no matter what the generation. Help your children take their imagination to new heights with the tallest fort in all the land! Have them gather all the blankets, pillows, and chairs they can and then begin building their fort. This can easily be repeated as no two forts are ever the same!

…a Yogi

Need an activity to calm the kids down before naptime? Yoga isn’t only for adults. There are plenty of resources to educate on how to incorporate yoga into a child’s routine. Yoga is a great means for relaxation and stretching for a child. These books provide helpful resources to get you started:

If all else fails, you might get them to at least nama-stay still for more than five minutes.

…an Artist

Arts and crafts is an excellent way to entertain children for the afternoon. Skip the coloring books next time and try some origami! Pinterest is filled with origami tutorials covering everything from baby whales to unicorns. There is bound to be a tutorial for your child’s favorite animal.

]]>Purpose in the Pages: Top Five Children’s Books with Great Messageshttps://pcgkids.com/purpose-in-the-pages-top-five-childrens-books-with-great-messages/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:48:20 +0000https://pcgkids.com/?p=789Reading is one of the most fun and influential activities for a child. However, every children’s book can’t end with happily ever. Sometimes it’s about what the child learns along the way. Every parent has their go-to book, but there are plenty of remarkably well written and illustrated children’s books coming out yearly. Here are…

]]>Reading is one of the most fun and influential activities for a child. However, every children’s book can’t end with happily ever. Sometimes it’s about what the child learns along the way. Every parent has their go-to book, but there are plenty of remarkably well written and illustrated children’s books coming out yearly. Here are the top five new children’s books with meaningful messages that will pull at even the parent’s heartstrings.

Care for Our World by Karen Robbins– Care for Our World teaches one of the most powerful messages a child can learn and that is to take care of planet earth and all of its inhabitants. The message from this book never goes out of style and can be passed on from generation to generation. As they turn the pages, the child will travel from country to country learning about all of the playful animals and life that make up our planet.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy– Children will love the story of charismatic Lucy and her favorite meal at lunch time. The title may be less than serious but the contents touch on some very important life lessons for children of all ages, including bullying and being compassionate in the face of adversity.

Superheroes Are Everywhere by Kamala Harris– Superheroes will never go out of style but Superheroes Are Everywhere dives a little further into the superhero craze and teaches children that superheroes are in fact all around them. This book is written by district attorney and United States Senator Kamala Harris who discovered that all it takes to be a superhero is believing in yourself. Children will follow along Kamala’s journey and learn the same message. This book is filled with empowering life lessons that even adults can relate to.

All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell– All the Ways to be Smart comes from the award-winning duo Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys. This book is as beautifully illustrated as it is written, teaching children that they are all special and unique despite what standardized tests or feedback may say about them. There is a special talent that resides in each child and that message is loud and clear in this book.

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes by Eva Chen– Children won’t know who Instagram Superstar and fashion editor Eva Chen is but, they will want to know Juno Valentine star of the first book from Chen. Children will step into the iconic shoes of powerful women in time and history, along with Juno Valentine, and learn what it means to be a powerful individual. The past and present collide as Juno fills the shoes of women such as Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Lady Gaga and Serena Williams. Juno Valentine teaches how to dress the part as much as she teaches how to fill the role.

]]>How to Boost Immunity and Keep Your Kids Healthy This Winterhttps://pcgkids.com/how-to-boost-immunity-and-keep-your-kids-healthy-this-winter/
Thu, 24 Jan 2019 15:50:50 +0000https://pcgkids.com/?p=780Winter can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of runny noses, fevers, and chesty coughs. While it is our job to see your kids when they are sick, we would so much rather see them just once a year when they are healthy! If you’re looking for ways to avoid sitting in the waiting room…

]]>Winter can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of runny noses, fevers, and chesty coughs. While it is our job to see your kids when they are sick, we would so much rather see them just once a year when they are healthy! If you’re looking for ways to avoid sitting in the waiting room of Pediatric Care Group this winter, we’ve put together a few tips on how to boost your child’s immune system.

Sufficient Sleep is Key

Sleep is so critically important to almost all of the body’s functions, including boosting the immune system in your child. This simply means that they should be getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should get the following amount of sleep in a 24-hour period:

Infants 4 months to 12 months- 12 to 16 hours (including naps)

Toddlers 1 to 2 years of age- 11 to 14 hours (including naps)

Preschoolers 3 to 5 years of- 10 to 13 hours (including naps)

Children 6 to 12 years of age- 9 to 12 hours

Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age- 8 to 10 hours

In order to give your kids the best chance at a good night’s sleep, cut screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime and don’t allow TVs, tablets, or smartphones in their rooms. Implementing a bedtime routine can also help your kids get to bed on time ensuring they get an adequate amount of sleep.

Soap Up at the Sink

Have your child regularly wash their hands during cold and flu season. It’s one of the best ways to avoid getting sick, but we don’t do it often enough. Have your child wash their hands before and after meals, after returning from school or daycare, after using the bathroom, after touching pets or playing outside, after being in contact with someone who is sick, or after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing. This one isn’t just for the kiddos. Mom or Dad, it’s just as important for you to practice good hand washing habits to avoid bringing unwanted germs in contact with your kids.

Supercharge Their Diet

If your kids are surviving off of chicken nuggets and pizza, you’re not doing anything to help their immune system. Serving your child a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods will help boost their immunity and ward off that nasty virus that’s circulating in your neighborhood. If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, try hiding immune boosting foods in smoothies, baked dishes, and fan favorites. For example, spinach which is packed with essential vitamins and minerals can be thrown in the food processor and added to spaghetti sauce, chopped up and added to an omelet, or blended into a fruit smoothie. Other great foods to boost immunity include:

Toss the Toothbrush

While it doesn’t technically boost immunity, one of the first things you should do after your child recovers from being sick is to throw out their toothbrush. While a child can’t get sick with the same cold or flu virus twice, the virus can spread from your sick child’s toothbrush to other family members’ toothbrushes. If the infection was bacterial, such as strep throat, your child can contract the illness again. No matter what your child was sick with, tossing the toothbrush will protect your whole family from another round of sickness.

]]>Outside Time and How to Dress Your Kids for the Coldhttps://pcgkids.com/outside-time-and-how-to-dress-your-kids-for-the-cold/
Wed, 23 Jan 2019 23:49:44 +0000https://pcgkids.com/?p=778Keeping our kids active in the winter can sometimes be a challenge. It’s cold out there! But, remaining active, and getting plenty of outside time, is essential to our kids’ well being just as much as it is during the warmer months. Here are some tips to make the most of winter outdoor time and…

]]>Keeping our kids active in the winter can sometimes be a challenge. It’s cold out there! But, remaining active, and getting plenty of outside time, is essential to our kids’ well being just as much as it is during the warmer months. Here are some tips to make the most of winter outdoor time and stay safe with the proper clothing:

Take Advantage of Daylight

Although the shorter days can make outside time a little harder, get your kids outside while it’s still light out. Not only is it safer to play outside during daylight, but the temperature will also be warmer than if it’s dark out. Take advantage of sunny winter days. Vitamin D will help shake those winter blues.

Find Fun Activities

If there is snow on the ground, the possibilities for outside time are endless. Building a snowman, making snow angels, sledding, and snow forts are all great activities that will keep your kids active outside for hours. Skiing, snowboarding, or tubing is also a great physical activity to do outside in winter.

If snow isn’t in the forecast, there are still plenty of great things to do outside. The leaves have fallen from the trees so break out the binoculars and see if you and your little ones can spot any wildlife. Head to your local park or playground, the slides and swings are still fun even in the cold!

Layer Up

For your child to enjoy and be safe during winter outdoor activities they need to be warm and mobile. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends layering children in one more layer than you would wear as an adult in winter. Layers help trap pockets of warm air, keeping your child warmer than if you were to just put one, big coat on them.

Layering is essential to keeping your kids comfortable while they’re outside. The three-layer system is a great guide to follow.

Base Layer– sits close to the skin and wicks moisture keeping your little one feeling dry. Wool or polyester are ideal for a base layer. Avoid cotton as it holds moisture and takes a long time to dry.

Insulation Layer– holds the natural heat little bodies produce. A wool sweater or a fleece jacket are both good choices. Synthetic or wool are the best choice. Avoid cotton, like jeans, if possible.

Shell Layer-protects against rain and wind so the other layers continue to work. Choose a material that is wind and waterproof but still breathable.

Faces, Fingers, and Toes

These areas are particularly vulnerable to cold injuries like frostbite. The following items will make sure your child’s extremities are protected and they stay nice and toasty:

]]>The Flu: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Your Familyhttps://pcgkids.com/the-flu-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-protect-your-family/
Fri, 21 Dec 2018 19:20:40 +0000https://pcgkids.com/?p=771It is peak flu season. To avoid spending this winter with a house full of runny noses, fevers, and miserable kids, head over to Pediatric Care Group to get your flu shots. We’ve compiled important information parents need to know about the flu virus and how to best prevent it. What is the Flu? The…

]]>It is peak flu season. To avoid spending this winter with a house full of runny noses, fevers, and miserable kids, head over to Pediatric Care Group to get your flu shots. We’ve compiled important information parents need to know about the flu virus and how to best prevent it.

What is the Flu?

The flu is a highly contagious viral infection that forms in the respiratory tract and affects the lungs, throat, and nose. All ages are susceptible to the flu, but the virus tends to affect children more than adults.

Common Cold vs. Flu

Although the flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it is important to note that there are differences. The onset of symptoms associated with the flu come on much faster than those that develop with a cold and tend to be more severe.

Symptoms Include:

Fever (although not everyone who has the flu will have a fever)

Chills

Headaches

Fatigue or extreme tiredness

Muscle or body aches

Runny or stuffy nose

A sore throat and cough

How Can I Prevent the Flu?

Practice Good Hygiene

The flu is easily spread from person to person. In order to ensure your child remains healthy this flu season, you and your family should take the following precautions:

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

Avoid direct contact with someone who is sick with the flu

Avoid direct contact with or disinfect surfaces that may have been touched by someone who has the flu (i.e. shopping carts, door handles…etc.)

Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer

While it is important to practice these good hygiene tips year-round, they are especially relevant during flu season since the flu is so highly contagious. The flu can be passed on up to 1 day before a person starts showing any symptoms as well as 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children can be infectious for even longer.

Keep Sick Kids Home

If your child does come down with the flu, keep your child home from school or childcare to prevent spreading the illness to others.

Make Good Lifestyle Choices

Making good choices as a family can help keep your children healthy throughout the year, but can help ward off sickness during flu season.

Make sure your child’s diet contains lots of fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamins C and D to support a healthy immune system

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about ways to boost their immune system with natural supplements such as Vitamin-C, Echinacea, Zinc, or Elderberry

Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is hands-down the most effective way to avoid getting sick with the flu. Each year, millions of people avoid the flu because they were vaccinated. The CDC estimates that 5.3 million people who received the vaccination during the 2016-2017 flu season dodged the illness.

Anyone over 6 months of age can receive the annual flu vaccine. Since the flu vaccine is not approved for babies under 6 months, it is even more important for older children and adults in the home to receive it in order to prevent passing the flu to the baby.

Even though we are in the midst of peak flu season, flu vaccines are still available! If your child has not received a flu shot yet, now is the time to come into Pediatric Care Group and get them one.

]]>Your Child and Dry Skinhttps://pcgkids.com/your-child-dry-skin/
Fri, 21 Dec 2018 19:13:55 +0000https://pcgkids.com/?p=768It’s the Season for Dry Skin With the onset of winter comes the potential for your child to develop dry, itchy skin. Change in temperature from going from the outside cold air to heated inside air and lack of moisture in the air can cause skin to feel tight, itchy, or flaky. In most children,…

With the onset of winter comes the potential for your child to develop dry, itchy skin. Change in temperature from going from the outside cold air to heated inside air and lack of moisture in the air can cause skin to feel tight, itchy, or flaky. In most children, these simple measures can be taken to alleviate dry skin:

Bathe Less

Giving your kids a bath (or shower) too often can be a contributing factor to their dry, itchy skin. Bathing strips the skin of its natural oils causing dryness. If possible, cut baths back to a few times a week instead of every day. If you have to bathe daily, aim to keep your little one in the tub or shower for less than 10 minutes and use lukewarm water. After bathing, pat the skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing.

Skip the Scent

Some scented soaps and moisturizers, while they might smell nice, can actually exacerbate dry, itchy skin. Make the switch to a gentler, unscented cleanser or moisturizer. The same also goes for laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Many scented products contain alcohol as one of the top ingredients, which is a natural drying agent. Swapping out the scented versions of soaps, lotions, and detergents can greatly reduce flare-ups in your child’s dry, itchy skin.

Turn Up the Humidity

We usually look forward to escaping the humidity in the winter months. But, if your child suffers from dry, itchy skin, adding a humidifier to your home may give them some relief. The cold outside air and dry air produced by indoor heating can pull water from the skin, causing dryness. Using a humidifier can replace some of that moisture in the air, leaving the moisture on your child’s skin in place. Aim to keep the humidity in your home above 40 percent.

Moisturize

It’s important to apply moisturizer to your child’s skin as soon as they get out of the bath or shower. Applying moisturizer to damp skin increases its absorption and effectiveness. You should also have your child apply moisturizer after each time they wash their hands. Find a moisturizer that is emolliating. These kinds of ointments and creams work to trap moisture on the outer layer of skin, creating a protective layer. The gooier, the better. Choose fragrance-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free products if possible to reduce the risk of further irritation.

Eat and Drink Well

Encourage your child to drink more water during the winter months. We often overlook the importance of staying hydrated when it’s cold outside, but hydration is important year-round to maintain healthy skin. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can also help reduce dry skin from the inside out. Give your children moderate amounts of healthy fat sources such as avocado, olive oil, and nut butters.

Keep an Eye Out for Eczema

Not all dry, itchy skin is eczema. But, if you think that your child may have more than just seasonal dry skin, make an appointment with your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician so they can determine if your child has eczema. Your child’s doctor will be able to tell you which type of eczema your child has so you can best manage their symptoms and treatment.

]]>New Car Seat Guidelineshttps://pcgkids.com/new-car-seat-guidelines/
Wed, 05 Sep 2018 08:56:51 +0000https://www.pcgkids.com/?p=688One of the most dangerous places for a child is riding in the car. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. Over the last 10 years, 4 children under 14 and younger died each day.” On August 30th, The American Academy of Pediatrics released new…

]]>One of the most dangerous places for a child is riding in the car. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. Over the last 10 years, 4 children under 14 and younger died each day.” On August 30th, The American Academy of Pediatrics released new recommendations on car seats for children. The number one way to keep your children safe while driving, is having the correct protection. Both having the proper car seat and using it for the appropriate amount of time are imperative to your child’s safety.

Car seat regulations are changing, favoring a child’s size over their age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should be delaying their child’s transition from rear to front facing car seats, keeping children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. In the past, car seats have catered to your child’s age rather than their size, stating that babies should remain in rear-facing car seats until the age of two, then make the transition to a front-facing car seat. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the size of your children should determine when they should switch from rear to front facing car seats.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has officially stated that children should “ride in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed; according to the seat’s manufacturer.” This new research sheds light on car safety for children and ultimately states that parents should delay the transition from rear-facing to front-facing car seats.

If you are unsure about the car seat you are using and which direction is best for your child, speak to your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician to make sure you are making the safest decision for your children. For more information or research regarding the new guidelines to see how your children can be affected, review the release from American Academy of Pediatrics.

]]>Tips for Parents of Teething Babieshttps://pcgkids.com/tips-for-parents-of-teething-babies/
Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:35:46 +0000https://www.pcgkids.com/?p=681You’ve finally gotten your baby to sleep through the night, when all of a sudden you’re faced with another challenge, TEETHING! It seems your sweet child is chewing on everything in sight. In addition to the chewing, they are drooling, occasionally fussy, and waking up during sleep time. Baby teeth most often begin to emerge…

]]>You’ve finally gotten your baby to sleep through the night, when all of a sudden you’re faced with another challenge, TEETHING! It seems your sweet child is chewing on everything in sight. In addition to the chewing, they are drooling, occasionally fussy, and waking up during sleep time. Baby teeth most often begin to emerge beneath the gums between 4 and 7 months of age. However, sometimes, teething can start as early as 3 months. What can you do to help soothe your child throughout the teething process? Here are a few helpful tips:

Give your baby a teething ring made of rubber. Do not freeze teething rings as this could harm your child’s gums.

Dampen a washcloth with cold water, but do not freeze the washcloth.

Gently rub or massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad.

Try cold drinks like water with ice cubes in a sippy cup, or cold foods like applesauce.

If your baby is still uncomfortable, contact your provider at Pediatric Care Group to talk about other options and the possibility of using of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Remember: babies tend to put their hands in their mouths while teething, so make sure your child’s hands are clean.

Sassy makes many teething products available online at Amazon.com. Here are a few teething rings and other solutions:

]]>5 Tips to Get Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track for Schoolhttps://pcgkids.com/5-tips-to-get-your-childs-sleep-schedule-back-on-track-for-school/
Wed, 15 Aug 2018 13:37:10 +0000https://www.pcgkids.com/?p=683The late nights and relaxing mornings of summer have come to an end and will soon be replaced by early morning wake-ups for school. Being deprived of even a half hour of sleep can have a big impact on your child’s health. A good night’s sleep (8-12 hours) will not only keep your child healthy,…

]]>The late nights and relaxing mornings of summer have come to an end and will soon be replaced by early morning wake-ups for school. Being deprived of even a half hour of sleep can have a big impact on your child’s health. A good night’s sleep (8-12 hours) will not only keep your child healthy, but it will also lead to success in the classroom.

Here are some tips to help your child get their sleep schedule back on track for school:

Take technology out of the picture

It’s hard to fall asleep when being distracted by our phones, TVs, computers, etc. To help your child fall asleep earlier, limit the use of technology close to bedtime. Put a sleep timer on the TV for thirty minutes to an hour. This will allow your child to watch TV, but not stay up for hours. Also, if your child has a cell phone, turn it off or take it out of their room at bedtime. The rings from text messages and social media will only keep your children awake and interrupt their sleep.

Gradually make bedtime earlier

Waiting until the night before the first day of school to change your children’s bedtime will not successfully adjust their sleep schedule. In order to smoothly transition into a healthy sleep schedule for school, start changing your child’s bedtime 2-3 weeks in advance. Try moving bedtime up 10-20 minutes earlier each day until your children have successfully adjusted to a sleep schedule where they’re getting the proper amount of sleep (ages 2-5: 10-13 hours per day; ages 6-12: 9-12 hours per day; ages 13-18: 8-10 hours per day).

Exercise in the afternoon

Running around and exercising is important for your children. When scheduling physical activities keep them for the afternoon so your child will fall asleep easier.

Be consistent

Usually, weekends are similar to summer days. Children like to stay up late and sleep in. If you’re trying to adjust your child’s sleep schedule for school, allowing them to stay up late and sleep in on the weekends will not help. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to ensure that your child is ready to go back to school.

Going back to school can be a really exciting time, however, it’s also a big transition for your children. In order to make the transition from summer go smoothly, start creating a sleep schedule to ensure your children begin the school year on the right foot!

]]>Staying Safe Under the Sunhttps://pcgkids.com/staying-safe-under-the-sun/
Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:32:28 +0000https://www.pcgkids.com/?p=674With summer here, everyone is spending more time together in the sunshine. Before you head outside, make sure you’re aware of the potential threats the summer rays can pose to you and your family. Follow these tips to make sure your children are protected from those summer rays. Sunscreen: One of the most important ways…

]]>With summer here, everyone is spending more time together in the sunshine. Before you head outside, make sure you’re aware of the potential threats the summer rays can pose to you and your family. Follow these tips to make sure your children are protected from those summer rays.

Sunscreen:

One of the most important ways to keep your skin safe from the harsh rays of the summer sun is sunscreen. Regardless of whether the sun is hidden behind clouds, or blazing down, there is always a possibility of being sunburnt or getting sun damage. If your kids are planning on playing outside, make sure you carefully apply sunscreen every two hours.

What is SPF?

Sunscreen comes in various strengths which are labeled as SPF. But, what exactly is SPF? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB rays from damaging the skin. The higher the SPF, the more protection the cream offers against harmful rays. When choosing the sunscreen that best fits your child’s skin, keep in mind these important factors:

SPF should be 30 or higher,

Water and sweat resistant creams are best for children.

Read the fine print to ensure the cream protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

We know that finding the right sunscreen for your family can be overwhelming. If you’d like a recommendation on some of our favorite sunscreens, don’t hesitate to ask your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician.

Other Ways to Protect your Kids from the Sun: Hats & Glasses: Sun hats and sunglasses are important when you are seeking protection from the summer rays. The head, ears, and eyes tend to be overly sensitive to the sun and therefore need more protection. In addition to applying sunscreen to children’s heads, ears, noses, and lips, chose a wide brim hat and UV protection sunglasses to keep your kids safe under the sun.

Shade: If you plan on being outside all day, it’s wise to take breaks from the sun and spend some time under shade. From 11 AM to 3 PM, the sun’s peak hours, it’s best to seek out shade. If you have a newborn or infant, make seeking shade, or creating your own shade, your top priority. Baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, and you should avoid sunscreen until your child reaches at least six months of age. Use light clothing and plenty of shade to keep your newborns safe from the summer sun. For more information on baby skin care, click here.

The summer forecast is calling for plenty of sunshine. Make sure you understand all the risks associated with summer rays and keep your children safe. If you have questions or feel unsure, ask your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician.